Week 3 Review: Timbers taking shape

April 5, 200712:57 PM PDT

Preseason Training Notes: Day 12 – April 5, 2007

TODAY AT CAMP: The Portland Timbers are nearing the completion of another week of preseason camp. Throughout Week 3, the overall pace of camp has improved as players sharpen their skills and head coach Gavin Wilkinson maps out the shape of his team.

View pictures of Day 12 in the new Picture Gallery in the Fan Zone.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: New Timbers midfielder Kiki Lara on Week 3: “Training this week has been geared towards getting us fit and game-ready as well as helping us see where we all fit together on the field.”

On Tuesday’s running session at a park near the Oregon Zoo: “Tuesday’s training was both mentally and physically challenging. It was hard, but had great value. It helped with team-building and people are continuing to work. Days like Tuesday are hard but help build our mental toughness and shape team character. These characteristics are crucial in tight games, and you can see it all coming together.”

On being new to town: “The transition to Portland has been great. There are many options when it comes to getting around town, which is helpful, and the people have been really nice.”

ON THE AGENDA: After five consecutive days of training, the Timbers have Friday off before they wrap up Week 3 on Saturday. Next week, the Timbers are scheduled to train six days and play three matches, including the two preseason exhibition matches on April 13 and 15.

SAY CHEESE: On Wednesday, the Timbers had their mug shots taken at the team’s annual photo day. Midfielders Tom Poltl, Andrew Gregor and Wilkinson took part in creative photo shoots for the upcoming issue of Timbers Review.

AROUND THE CORNER: The Timbers are only weeks away from the 2007 USL First Division season opener, on April 21 against the Puerto Rico Islanders at PGE Park. A variety of season packages and individual tickets are available. For more information call the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555.